Actress, author, prime minister and a car to match (update: Mors & Napier)

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In 1902 when you saw a lady in a motorcar she will have taken great care over the clothes she wore. She was mindful of fashion and practicality and we enjoyed finding this picture of Miss Muriel Beaumont who is leaning against a 16HP Napier - we were only able to identify the car after finding this picture.

She is described as 'slight with delicate features' and is wearing 'a dainty dress of dark blue, with a masculine coat and tie - a style which many have discarded now, but to which she wisely clings.'  On top she wears a yachting cap  'finished with a simple but effective twist of pale blue ribbon' and the suppliers placed an advertisement in the magazine.

Muriel became an actress (despite her father's disapproval) and in 1902 was cast in 'The Admirable Crichton' , a comic stage play newly written by J.M. Barrie. Also in the cast was Gerald du Maurier and the two thespians were married within five months.

 You may recognise the surname du Maurier and in 1907, Muriel gave birth to author Daphne du Maurier who wrote 'Rebecca' and 'Jamaica Inn' amongst other books and plays.   We wonder whether the family actually owned the Napier, but we know Muriel's style and success suggest she moved in the same circles as another famous Napier owner, Prime Minister Arthur Balfour.

(text Robin Batchelor) 

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